Eastern Michigan Athletics
Football
Neathery, Neal
vs
Louisiana
Sep 20 (Sat)
3:30 p.m.

Neal Neathery
- Title:
- Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
- Email:
- nneather@emich.edu
- Phone:
- 734.487.2160
Entering his seventh year at EMU is Neal Neathery, who came to Ypsilanti after spending six years at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Neathery serves as the team’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, while adding the title of associate head coach prior to the 2021 season.
A coaching veteran of more than two decades, Neathery reunited in 2016 with Creighton after working together for 13 seasons compiling six conference championships and a 109-21 (.838) record between stops at Drake University, Wabash (Ind.) College and Ottawa (Kan.) University. Named the 2007 American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year, he has been the defensive coordinator at each of his five previous coaching stops.
Neathery’s arrival in 2016 coincided with a significant defensive improvement for EMU. Since his hiring, he helped shave 20.0 points, 113.0 rushing yards allowed and 165.4 total yards per game off the team’s averages.
Neathery’s defense took a positive step forward in 2021. EMU forced 18 turnovers in 2021, and scored points off of 15 (11 touchdowns, 4 field goals). EMU scored 89 points off those turnovers, three times as a direct result of the play, and 12 times in its subsequent offensive possession. EMU’s defense recorded three games with four-or-more sacks in 2021, which brings the total number of such occurrences to 14 under Neathery. Prior to his arrival at EMU, the Eagles had recorded four-or-more sacks in a game just eight times in a 10-year span.
Under Neathery’s oversight, Junior linebacker Tariq Speights finished as the Eagles’ regular-season tackles leader in 2021. The Valencia, Calif. native racked up 85 tackles (18 solo, 67 assisted), including 1.5 tackles for loss. His 7.0 tackles per contest ranked inside the MAC’s top-20 (No. 18). He notched a career-best three games with 12+ tackles, including hitting his personal-best mark of 13 stops against Ball State, Oct. 16. In the backfield, Russell Vaden IV emerged as an elite defender. The Louisville, Ky. native led all Eagles with three interceptions. That number tied for third in the conference. Additionally, defensive end Jose Ramirez was one of the biggest challenges for offensive linemen in the MAC in 2021. He ranked 10th in the conference with 6.5 sacks, a career-best mark for the Lake Alfred, Fla. native. Ramirez was a All-MAC third team selection in 2021 under Neathery.
Neathery’s young defensive unit was able to finish the 2020 season with good numbers as it was the fifth-best unit in the Mid-American Conference at preventing third-down conversions (38.2% opponent success rate). The “Hard Hat D” finished 2020 with improvements in two categories over 2019’s squad, as opponents fared worse in passing yards per attempt (8.07/8.08) and third-down conversion rate (38.2% 29-of-76/44.8% 82-of-183). Additionally, the EMU defense was able to hold opponents off the scoreboard in 17 percent of its overall frames this year (4-of-24).
The EMU defense was successful at forcing turnovers throughout the team’s six games. Eastern recovered nine fumbles, which ranked first in the MAC and 11th nationally, and had three interceptions, which was good for seventh in the league. EMU’s final outing, against NIU, Dec. 12, saw the team recover one fumble, which included a 61-yard touchdown by freshman Mark Lee Jr.
Defensively, the Eagles rank seventh nationally in the red zone. EMU’s opponents left the red zone scoreless eight times in 28 attempts this season, making EMU the best red zone defense in the MAC.
In 2019, Eastern played in a postseason bowl for the third time in the last four seasons, and for the fifth time in school history. It was also the first time in program history that EMU played in the postseason in consecutive campaigns.
In 2018, EMU closed the regular season with five straight Mid-American Conference victories for its first winning record in conference play since 1995. The Green and White’s 22.1 points allowed per game tied for the 11th-best mark in school history in the modern era (since 1976), and the best since 1993.
EMU was exceptionally stingy late in the year, as the defense only allowed three offensive touchdowns over the final 16 quarters of the season. Moreover, Eastern was ranked 10th nationally for fewest second-half points allowed at just 8.7 per game.
On the national scale, Eastern owned the fifth-best redzone defense in the NCAA, while holding opponents to 150.2 passing yards per game, the third-fewest in the nation. EMU ranked 10th in passing efficiency defense, 11th in turnover margin, 19th in blocked kicks, 20th in turnovers gained, 20th in fourth down conversion defense, 22nd in fumbles recovered, 30th in scoring defense, and 33rd in interceptions.
Selected as one of 56 nominees for the 2017 Broyles Award, given to college football’s top assistant coach, Neathery’s crew allowed just 3.8 points per game over the course of the final 15 minutes. Even better at home, the Eagles did not give up a fourth quarter point inside “The Factory”. Nationally, EMU ranked fourth in the fewest points given up in the fourth. The defense also posted three returns for touchdowns, the most by an EMU squad since 1994.
Individually, defensive end Maxx Crosby posted 11 sacks on the year to tie the EMU single-season record set in 1996. For the season, Crosby ranked fourth in the conference and sixth in the country in sacks, while coming in 14th nationally in tackles for loss.
The Eagles saw a remarkable improvement in its first season under Neathery, finishing in a tie for the most improved program in the Football Bowl Subdivision. EMU allowed 86.5 yards per game less in 2016 (432.7 per game) than it did in 2015 (519.2 per game) to rank 83rd in the country and seventh in the MAC. The team also took a huge step forward in stopping the run, as the defense gave up 149 yards per game less on the ground in 2016 than it did a year earlier. Overall, EMU was nationally ranked seventh in fumbles recovered, 32nd in turnovers gained, 58th in interceptions, and 59th in rushing defense.
Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor finished the season with 20.5 sacks for his career, making him the program leader since 1998. His 8.5 sacks ranked 42nd in the nation and fifth in the MAC. O’Connor and redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Jeremiah Harris were a dynamic combination both forcing and recovering fumbles, with O’Connor ranking 10th nationally in fumbles forced and Harris placing eighth in most fumbles recovered.
During his six seasons with Head Coach Larry Coker in the Alamo City, he tutored 21 all-conference performers and helped the defense record an average of 21 turnovers per year. The only defensive coordinator in the program’s history, Neathery helped the Roadrunners make the transition from a startup program to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and finally the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
In 2015, the Texas-San Antonio defense ranked 31st nationally in interceptions with 14 while posting the 37th-best redzone defense with 12 stops from inside the 20-yard line. Neathery’s defense forced 22 turnovers (8 fumbles/14 INTs) and allowed only 168.9 rushing yards per game in 2015, including holding two opponents to less than 100 yards.
Individually, defensive end Jason Neill led UTSA’s linemen with 56 tackles (36 solos/20 assists) while setting program single-season records with 11 TFLs and 8.5 sacks (2nd C-USA). Bennett Okotcha’s league-leading four interceptions tied a UTSA single-season record and his 14 pass breakups rank second on the school’s single-season list.
A season earlier, UTSA’s defense ranked in the Conference USA top five in five different statistical categories, including second in rushing defense (140.8 ypg), and the unit forced 19 turnovers (10 fumbles/9 INTs). UTSA held a pair of foes to less than 100 yards on the ground, including a program-record minus-26 in the season-opening 27-7 win at Houston.
Defensive end Robert Singletary and free safety Triston Wade, who was one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back), were second-team all-conference selections and linebacker Jens Jeters, defensive tackle Ashaad Mabry and defensive end Cody Rogers received honorable mention. Mabry (New Orleans Saints) and Wade (Seattle Seahwaks) were signed as undrafted free agents in May 2015, while Singletary joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders in June 2015.
In 2013, Neathery helped lead UTSA to a 7-5 overall record, including victories over a pair of bowl teams. The Roadrunners finished second in the C-USA West Division with a 6-2 mark in their first season in the league. Neathery’s defense forced 14 turnovers (6 fumbles/8 INTs) and allowed only 143.1 rushing yards per game in 2013, including holding three opponents to less than 100 yards.
Wade earned second-team all-conference honors, while defensive end Codie Brooks, safety Nic Johnston, linebacker Steven Kurfehs, cornerback Bennett Okotcha, Mabry and Singletary were honorable mention selections. Brooks also was named to the Conference USA All-Freshmen team.
In 2012, Neathery helped guide UTSA to an 8-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in its first and only season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The campaign was highlighted by historic wins against South Alabama, the program’s first road and Football Bowl Subdivision victory, and New Mexico State, its first league win.
The defense forced 29 turnovers (16 fumbles/13 interceptions), which led to 22 scores (15 TDs/7 FGs) in 2012. Three of the team’s top five tacklers were linebackers — Brandon Reeves (1st/95), Kurfehs (4th/71) and Blake Terry (5th/64) — and the unit also combined for 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Wade earned first-team All-WAC accolades, while defensive tackle Franky Anaya, Kurfehs and Reeves were named to the second team.
The Stillwater, Okla., native helped lead the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record during their inaugural campaign in 2011. The defense allowed just 21.4 points and 126.2 yards rushing per game and forced 21 turnovers (11 fumbles/10 interceptions), which led to 15 scores. Two of the team’s top three tacklers were linebackers — Reeves (1st/69), Kurfehs (3rd/61) — and the unit combined for 190 tackles, including 16 for loss and 8.5 sacks, two interceptions (one TD), a pair of fumble recoveries and seven quarterback hurries.
Neathery came to UTSA from Drake University, where he served as assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach with Creighton from 2008-09. During his two seasons in Des Moines, Iowa, the Bulldogs posted a 14-8 record and, as defensive coordinator, he guided the Bulldogs to the top 12 in four defensive categories in the final 2009 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision statistics. Drake ranked No. 2 in tackles for loss, averaging 8.8 per game; No. 5 in quarterback sacks, averaging 3.3 per contest; No. 8 in rushing defense, allowing just 90.6 yards per outing and 12th in total defense limiting opponents to 276.5 yards per game.
In 2009, Drake matched the best nine-game start in school history (8-1) en route to an 8-3 record and the Bulldogs also finished second in the Pioneer Football League with a 6-2 ledger. Neathery’s defense held opponents to 17.1 points per game and posted 39 sacks, eight interceptions and a pair of shutouts.
In his first season, the Bulldogs allowed just 17.8 points and 266.3 yards per contest and registered 14 picks and three white-washings in a 6-5 campaign.
He was the associate head coach at Wabash College from 2001-07 and was named the 2007 American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. With Neathery serving as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, Wabash ranked fourth in NCAA Division III in total defense in 2003, No. 3 in scoring defense in 2005 and No. 8 in quarterback sacks in 2007.
Neathery was defensive coordinator at Ottawa (Kan.) University from 1997-2000. The Braves compiled a 32-7 record and won the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championship in 1997 and 2000 en route to competing in the NAIA playoffs.
He began his college football coaching career at Sterling (Kan.) College, where he served as defensive line coach in 1994 and linebackers coach in 1995 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1996.
A 1993 graduate of Wheaton (Ill.) College, he was a four-year starter at defensive end from 1989-93. Neathery served as a captain his senior year and also earned the James Parmalee Most Respected Player Award.
Neathery earned his bachelor’s degree in business/economics and bible & theology from Wheaton in 1993 and a master’s degree in health and human performances from Fort Hayes State University in 1995.
He and his wife, Rebecca, have two sons, Parker and Michael, and a daughter, Hannah.
A coaching veteran of more than two decades, Neathery reunited in 2016 with Creighton after working together for 13 seasons compiling six conference championships and a 109-21 (.838) record between stops at Drake University, Wabash (Ind.) College and Ottawa (Kan.) University. Named the 2007 American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year, he has been the defensive coordinator at each of his five previous coaching stops.
Neathery’s arrival in 2016 coincided with a significant defensive improvement for EMU. Since his hiring, he helped shave 20.0 points, 113.0 rushing yards allowed and 165.4 total yards per game off the team’s averages.
Neathery’s defense took a positive step forward in 2021. EMU forced 18 turnovers in 2021, and scored points off of 15 (11 touchdowns, 4 field goals). EMU scored 89 points off those turnovers, three times as a direct result of the play, and 12 times in its subsequent offensive possession. EMU’s defense recorded three games with four-or-more sacks in 2021, which brings the total number of such occurrences to 14 under Neathery. Prior to his arrival at EMU, the Eagles had recorded four-or-more sacks in a game just eight times in a 10-year span.
Under Neathery’s oversight, Junior linebacker Tariq Speights finished as the Eagles’ regular-season tackles leader in 2021. The Valencia, Calif. native racked up 85 tackles (18 solo, 67 assisted), including 1.5 tackles for loss. His 7.0 tackles per contest ranked inside the MAC’s top-20 (No. 18). He notched a career-best three games with 12+ tackles, including hitting his personal-best mark of 13 stops against Ball State, Oct. 16. In the backfield, Russell Vaden IV emerged as an elite defender. The Louisville, Ky. native led all Eagles with three interceptions. That number tied for third in the conference. Additionally, defensive end Jose Ramirez was one of the biggest challenges for offensive linemen in the MAC in 2021. He ranked 10th in the conference with 6.5 sacks, a career-best mark for the Lake Alfred, Fla. native. Ramirez was a All-MAC third team selection in 2021 under Neathery.
Neathery’s young defensive unit was able to finish the 2020 season with good numbers as it was the fifth-best unit in the Mid-American Conference at preventing third-down conversions (38.2% opponent success rate). The “Hard Hat D” finished 2020 with improvements in two categories over 2019’s squad, as opponents fared worse in passing yards per attempt (8.07/8.08) and third-down conversion rate (38.2% 29-of-76/44.8% 82-of-183). Additionally, the EMU defense was able to hold opponents off the scoreboard in 17 percent of its overall frames this year (4-of-24).
The EMU defense was successful at forcing turnovers throughout the team’s six games. Eastern recovered nine fumbles, which ranked first in the MAC and 11th nationally, and had three interceptions, which was good for seventh in the league. EMU’s final outing, against NIU, Dec. 12, saw the team recover one fumble, which included a 61-yard touchdown by freshman Mark Lee Jr.
Defensively, the Eagles rank seventh nationally in the red zone. EMU’s opponents left the red zone scoreless eight times in 28 attempts this season, making EMU the best red zone defense in the MAC.
In 2019, Eastern played in a postseason bowl for the third time in the last four seasons, and for the fifth time in school history. It was also the first time in program history that EMU played in the postseason in consecutive campaigns.
In 2018, EMU closed the regular season with five straight Mid-American Conference victories for its first winning record in conference play since 1995. The Green and White’s 22.1 points allowed per game tied for the 11th-best mark in school history in the modern era (since 1976), and the best since 1993.
EMU was exceptionally stingy late in the year, as the defense only allowed three offensive touchdowns over the final 16 quarters of the season. Moreover, Eastern was ranked 10th nationally for fewest second-half points allowed at just 8.7 per game.
On the national scale, Eastern owned the fifth-best redzone defense in the NCAA, while holding opponents to 150.2 passing yards per game, the third-fewest in the nation. EMU ranked 10th in passing efficiency defense, 11th in turnover margin, 19th in blocked kicks, 20th in turnovers gained, 20th in fourth down conversion defense, 22nd in fumbles recovered, 30th in scoring defense, and 33rd in interceptions.
Selected as one of 56 nominees for the 2017 Broyles Award, given to college football’s top assistant coach, Neathery’s crew allowed just 3.8 points per game over the course of the final 15 minutes. Even better at home, the Eagles did not give up a fourth quarter point inside “The Factory”. Nationally, EMU ranked fourth in the fewest points given up in the fourth. The defense also posted three returns for touchdowns, the most by an EMU squad since 1994.
Individually, defensive end Maxx Crosby posted 11 sacks on the year to tie the EMU single-season record set in 1996. For the season, Crosby ranked fourth in the conference and sixth in the country in sacks, while coming in 14th nationally in tackles for loss.
The Eagles saw a remarkable improvement in its first season under Neathery, finishing in a tie for the most improved program in the Football Bowl Subdivision. EMU allowed 86.5 yards per game less in 2016 (432.7 per game) than it did in 2015 (519.2 per game) to rank 83rd in the country and seventh in the MAC. The team also took a huge step forward in stopping the run, as the defense gave up 149 yards per game less on the ground in 2016 than it did a year earlier. Overall, EMU was nationally ranked seventh in fumbles recovered, 32nd in turnovers gained, 58th in interceptions, and 59th in rushing defense.
Defensive lineman Pat O’Connor finished the season with 20.5 sacks for his career, making him the program leader since 1998. His 8.5 sacks ranked 42nd in the nation and fifth in the MAC. O’Connor and redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Jeremiah Harris were a dynamic combination both forcing and recovering fumbles, with O’Connor ranking 10th nationally in fumbles forced and Harris placing eighth in most fumbles recovered.
During his six seasons with Head Coach Larry Coker in the Alamo City, he tutored 21 all-conference performers and helped the defense record an average of 21 turnovers per year. The only defensive coordinator in the program’s history, Neathery helped the Roadrunners make the transition from a startup program to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and finally the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
In 2015, the Texas-San Antonio defense ranked 31st nationally in interceptions with 14 while posting the 37th-best redzone defense with 12 stops from inside the 20-yard line. Neathery’s defense forced 22 turnovers (8 fumbles/14 INTs) and allowed only 168.9 rushing yards per game in 2015, including holding two opponents to less than 100 yards.
Individually, defensive end Jason Neill led UTSA’s linemen with 56 tackles (36 solos/20 assists) while setting program single-season records with 11 TFLs and 8.5 sacks (2nd C-USA). Bennett Okotcha’s league-leading four interceptions tied a UTSA single-season record and his 14 pass breakups rank second on the school’s single-season list.
A season earlier, UTSA’s defense ranked in the Conference USA top five in five different statistical categories, including second in rushing defense (140.8 ypg), and the unit forced 19 turnovers (10 fumbles/9 INTs). UTSA held a pair of foes to less than 100 yards on the ground, including a program-record minus-26 in the season-opening 27-7 win at Houston.
Defensive end Robert Singletary and free safety Triston Wade, who was one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s top defensive back), were second-team all-conference selections and linebacker Jens Jeters, defensive tackle Ashaad Mabry and defensive end Cody Rogers received honorable mention. Mabry (New Orleans Saints) and Wade (Seattle Seahwaks) were signed as undrafted free agents in May 2015, while Singletary joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders in June 2015.
In 2013, Neathery helped lead UTSA to a 7-5 overall record, including victories over a pair of bowl teams. The Roadrunners finished second in the C-USA West Division with a 6-2 mark in their first season in the league. Neathery’s defense forced 14 turnovers (6 fumbles/8 INTs) and allowed only 143.1 rushing yards per game in 2013, including holding three opponents to less than 100 yards.
Wade earned second-team all-conference honors, while defensive end Codie Brooks, safety Nic Johnston, linebacker Steven Kurfehs, cornerback Bennett Okotcha, Mabry and Singletary were honorable mention selections. Brooks also was named to the Conference USA All-Freshmen team.
In 2012, Neathery helped guide UTSA to an 8-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in its first and only season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The campaign was highlighted by historic wins against South Alabama, the program’s first road and Football Bowl Subdivision victory, and New Mexico State, its first league win.
The defense forced 29 turnovers (16 fumbles/13 interceptions), which led to 22 scores (15 TDs/7 FGs) in 2012. Three of the team’s top five tacklers were linebackers — Brandon Reeves (1st/95), Kurfehs (4th/71) and Blake Terry (5th/64) — and the unit also combined for 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Wade earned first-team All-WAC accolades, while defensive tackle Franky Anaya, Kurfehs and Reeves were named to the second team.
The Stillwater, Okla., native helped lead the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record during their inaugural campaign in 2011. The defense allowed just 21.4 points and 126.2 yards rushing per game and forced 21 turnovers (11 fumbles/10 interceptions), which led to 15 scores. Two of the team’s top three tacklers were linebackers — Reeves (1st/69), Kurfehs (3rd/61) — and the unit combined for 190 tackles, including 16 for loss and 8.5 sacks, two interceptions (one TD), a pair of fumble recoveries and seven quarterback hurries.
Neathery came to UTSA from Drake University, where he served as assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach with Creighton from 2008-09. During his two seasons in Des Moines, Iowa, the Bulldogs posted a 14-8 record and, as defensive coordinator, he guided the Bulldogs to the top 12 in four defensive categories in the final 2009 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision statistics. Drake ranked No. 2 in tackles for loss, averaging 8.8 per game; No. 5 in quarterback sacks, averaging 3.3 per contest; No. 8 in rushing defense, allowing just 90.6 yards per outing and 12th in total defense limiting opponents to 276.5 yards per game.
In 2009, Drake matched the best nine-game start in school history (8-1) en route to an 8-3 record and the Bulldogs also finished second in the Pioneer Football League with a 6-2 ledger. Neathery’s defense held opponents to 17.1 points per game and posted 39 sacks, eight interceptions and a pair of shutouts.
In his first season, the Bulldogs allowed just 17.8 points and 266.3 yards per contest and registered 14 picks and three white-washings in a 6-5 campaign.
He was the associate head coach at Wabash College from 2001-07 and was named the 2007 American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. With Neathery serving as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, Wabash ranked fourth in NCAA Division III in total defense in 2003, No. 3 in scoring defense in 2005 and No. 8 in quarterback sacks in 2007.
Neathery was defensive coordinator at Ottawa (Kan.) University from 1997-2000. The Braves compiled a 32-7 record and won the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championship in 1997 and 2000 en route to competing in the NAIA playoffs.
He began his college football coaching career at Sterling (Kan.) College, where he served as defensive line coach in 1994 and linebackers coach in 1995 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1996.
A 1993 graduate of Wheaton (Ill.) College, he was a four-year starter at defensive end from 1989-93. Neathery served as a captain his senior year and also earned the James Parmalee Most Respected Player Award.
Neathery earned his bachelor’s degree in business/economics and bible & theology from Wheaton in 1993 and a master’s degree in health and human performances from Fort Hayes State University in 1995.
He and his wife, Rebecca, have two sons, Parker and Michael, and a daughter, Hannah.
The Neal Neathery File | ||
Name: | Neal Neathery | |
High School: | Stillwater H.S. - Stillwater, Okla. | |
College: | Wheaton College - Bachelor’s degree in business/economics and bible & theology - 1993 | |
Fort Hays State University - Master's degree in health & human performances - 1995 | ||
Family: | Wife-Rebecca; Children-Parker, Michael and Hannah | |
Coaching Experience | ||
Year | School/Company | Position |
2021-Pres. | Eastern Michigan University | Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/LB |
2018-Pres. | Eastern Michigan University | Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/LB |
2016-18 | Eastern Michigan University | Assistant Coach/Defensive Coordinator/LB |
2010-15 | University of Texas-San Antonio | Assistant Coach/Defensive Coordinator |
2008-09 | Drake University | Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator |
2001-07 | Wabash (Ind.) College | Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator |
1997-2000 | Ottawa (Kan.) University | Assistant Coach/Defensive Coordinator |
1996 | Sterling (Kan.) College | Assistant Coach/Defensive Coordinator |
1995 | Sterling (Kan.) College | Assistant Coach/Linebackers |
1994 | Sterling (Kan.) College | Assistant Coach/Defensive Line |
1989-93 | Wheaton (Ill.) University | Student-Athlete |